Toyota RAV4 EV Recalled Over Seatbelt Glitch

Yesterday, Toyota announced that it’s recalling certain RAV4 and RAV4 EV SUVs due to an issue with lap-shoulder seatbelts in both second-row outboard seats.

The recall involves over 1 million RAVs including (we believe) all RAV4 EVs ever produced.

Here’s the official recall notice:

TOYOTA RECALLS CERTAIN RAV4 and RAV4 EV VEHICLES

TORRANCE, Calif., February 17, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 1,124,000 Model Year 2006-2012 RAV4 and Model Year 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles.

The involved vehicles are equipped with lap-shoulder seatbelts in both second-row outboard seats. There is a possibility that, in the event of a very severe frontal crash, the lap belt webbing could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut, and separate. If this occurs, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive notification by first class mail. Toyota dealers will add resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame at no cost.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin. For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.

Rav4EV could’ve been one of the best EV on the market if Toyota continued to improve on it. With > 120 miles range, add DCFC (quickcchagepower.com), lower cost ($35K post subsidy?), quick (~7 sec to 60 MPH) it would’ve given many smaller 200 miles range EV like Bolt run for their money. Instead, they sell completely unusable fuel cell Mirai for far higher price. If not for reliability issues, used Rav4EV ($27K) with JDemo ($3K) would’ve been great.